IBM on Thursday announced that it had licensed a broad range of ARM Cortex processors from ARM Holdings. IBM plans to offer the new microprocessors to its custom-chip clients; leading companies that build network routers, switches and the cellular base stations that enable pervasive wired and wireless communications across the globe.

"IBM is a top provider of custom-built, system-on-a-chip technology to communications companies – the silicon technology that has powered much of the mobile computing revolution. With the addition of the ARM's advanced 32-bit microprocessors and peripherals to our Power-based offerings, our clients will now have the broadest array of leading silicon technology and design services available – giving them the ability to create the next generation of communications hardware," said Steve Ray, vice president of microelectronics at IBM.

The ARM Cortex-A15, Cortex-A12, Cortex-A7 and Cortex-M4 processors, as well as the ARM Mali-450 graphic processing unit (GPU), are included in the new license agreement. The new ARM processors join a rich IBM ecosystem of design tools and IP that simplify and extend the power of real-time embedded and advanced application processing for the company's custom-chip clients.

“IBM’s manufacturing leadership and expertise in semiconductor innovation means that this agreement will result in a highly competitive portfolio of custom ARM-based solutions being deployed by leading networking infrastructure companies worldwide. Building on their longstanding engagement on ARM Artisan Physical IP, IBM’s extensive commitment to ARM Cortex CPU and ARM Mali GPU technology reflects the increasing demand for optimized-for-function, energy efficient platforms,” said Tom Cronk, executive vice president and general manager of processor division at ARM.